Published: May 30, 2009 07:58 pm      

Rediscover Marion County for a summer full of fun

FAIRMONT — Memorial Day Weekend was the cue for families to begin thinking of and even planning those wonderful summer trips that build fond memories and shared stories for years to come.

In just a few weeks, school children will be out for the summer, giving families time to take off work and take off for all points north, south, east and west.

But, just like Dorothy, what you're looking for may be no farther than your own backyard.

When thinking of planning your summer vacations, think two words: “West Virginia.”

And even before that, think “Marion County.”

“We’re very fortunate. But when you live in an area all your life, you take it for granted,” said Marianne Moran, executive director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Marion County Inc.

For example, when was the last time you visited Pricketts Fort and Valley Falls state parks?

“Prickets Fort has a variety of inexpensive and sometimes free entertainment,” she said.

Of course, people know Pricketts Fort is the place to go for daily living history, with costumed interpretors living the style of the early Marion County area.

“They also have special events throughout th the year and lots of free concerts in the ampitheater,” she added.

“It’s a good family trip,” she said. “It’s not like touring a regular museum. You can learn about how the people lived there.”

Recent additions to the fort’s population are truly sheepishly new ... some adorable lambs and their adult parents.

“They just had their sheep to shawl day at the fort, so the sheep may look a little bare,” Moran said. “But the lambs are cute and the kids can pet them.”

If your family is the on-the-go type, you can rent bicycles from MCPARC to ride the rail trails, she said. Just sign up at the visitors center.

If you think to bring the bread crumbs (or other tasty snacks), you can always feed the ducks, she said.

“All in one location, you have history, outdoor recreation and a very inexpensive way to spend the day,” she said.

For more information, visit prickettsfort.org.

Valley Falls State Park, located off Route 310, is an oasis of rapid water, steep bike trails and beautiful scenery.

“People use it for picnicking, fishing or walking or riding the bike trails. But you should be aware that their trails are more steep and rugged as compared to the Rails to Trails,” she said. “They are not flat. They are more challenging.”

Whether you come there to picnic, walk the trail or take in the scenery, be aware of one fact.

“Swimming and getting in the water at all is prohibited, except for kayaking and rafting. You have to sign a release in the park superintendent's office.”

OK. So you’re not the outdoorsy type of family. You’re more laid back, more musical than athletic. Don’t despair. Just head to the ridge ... Bunner Ridge ... for the weekly Sagebrush Round Up country music show. For just a few dollars, you can be treated to local and often nationally known talent, plus take in some “great homemade cooking,” Moran said.

“A lot of people don’t realize they’re open the year round. And they have open mic from 6-7 p.m. You can try your luck and can get up there and perform.”

The kids will enjoy a jaunt to Valley Worlds of Fun, which offers indoor and outdoor entertainment. Hold a birthday party or family reunion there, or maybe book the conference center for a larger meeting.

Spend the day at East Marion Park, with its famous wave pool, the only one in the area. If staying dry is your thing, you can keep busy at tennis, mini golf, horse shoe pitching or helping the kiddies at the playground.

You can also swim at 12th Street Pool or tee off at Coal Country Mini Golf.

And later this summer, don’t miss the Mannington District Fair, the second largest fair in West Virginia.

When you’ve done all there is to do in Marion County, don’t head out of state. Take our your trusty West Virginia map (you know, the one all smushed up and crammed in your glove compartment) and hit those country roads. You’d be surprised at what you find.

“I’ve lived in West Virginia my whole life, and I haven’t visited everywhere I want to here,” Moran said.

“The trend has been for people to take more frequent, shorter and closer-to-home vacations,” she said. “Not only because of the current economy and gas prices, but also because they can’t, or don’t feel that they can, afford as much time away from work. The days of the two-week vacation are a thing of the past.

“Last summer, remember when gas prices were going through the roof? Tourism in West Virginia skyrocketed. State parks with lodging had the highest occupancy in the state’s history.

“More people are staying closer to home. You don’t have to go out of state to relax and have a good vacation.”

If you can’t decide where you want your next quick trip to be, just call Moran at 304-368-1123 or visit the CVB office in White Hall for brochures on every state park or for the state travel guide.

• Coal Country Miniature Golf & Batting Cages. 304.366.9300

I-79 Exit 137 to Hopewell Rd., Fairmont. www.coalcountrywv.com

Open during peak season 11 to 11.

• Fairmont Chamber Music Society. 304.291.8277

Presents the finest classical chamber music including international artists in beautiful St. Peter the Fisherman Church in downtown Fairmont.

• Fairmont State University School of Fine Arts. 304.367.4203 1201 Locust Ave., Fairmont www.fairmontstate.edu

• Marion County 4-H Camp MarMac

Off Rt. 250 North, 1 mile outside Farmingto. 304.363.9077

Camp cabin housing for 195 people. Air-conditioned dining hall seats 200 with full kitchen. Volleyball, basketball, nature trail, easy access.

• MCPARC - Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission. 304.363.7037

319 Monroe St., Fairmont www.mcparc.com

• 12th Street Pool. 205 12th St., Fairmont. Open through Labor Day, 12 noon-7 p.m. 304.363.7037.

• Curtisville Lake. 695 acres of lush scenery. Hiking and picnicking areas surround the 30-acre lake. Six miles past Mannington on Rt. 250 N..

• Hutchinson Park/Rail Trail Access. The four-acre park offers a playground, baseball field, and play field area adjacent to the rail trail. Worthington.

• Marion County BMX Park. Home of the “Poor Farm BMX” bicycle track, a nationally sanctioned facility with the National Bicycle League. Located off Hoult Road.

• Mary Lou Retton Youth Park / Rail Trail Access. It has 25 rolling acres, four baseball fields, pavilion, playground, picnic area, tennis courts, basketball courts, restrooms and WV Miner’s Memorial.

• Mon River Trail. Meanders along the Monongahela River from the WV/PA state line through Monongalia County into Marion County at Pricketts Fort State Park.

• Rail Trails. MCPARC offers two exceptional rail trails with many dramatic features. West Fork River (Ralph S. LaRue) Trail is 16 miles long with more than 200 acres of river front property. Several re-decked railroad bridges offer great views with one bridge over 500’ in length. MCTRAIL offers nearly 3 miles and 36 acres of converted railway property for walkers, joggers and bikers. Begins at Pricketts Fort State Park to Mt. State Metals on Morgantown Avenue in Fairmont. The trail offers a 1200’, lighted tunnel to stir the interest of users.

• Wave Pool / Water Slide at East Marion Complex. This 70-acre water park offers tennis, jogging trails, pavilions, playgrounds, bocce courts, horseshoe courts, picnicking, mini golf, sand volleyball, softball field, the famous Wave Pool and water slide, and Marion County Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Take I-79 Exit 135 and follow signs. 304.363.7037.

• West Fork River / Ralph S. LaRue Rail Trail. This 16-mile, packed limestone trail meanders along the placid West Fork River between Fairmont and Shinnston. Parking can be found in Shinnston, Enterprise, Worthington, Monongah and Fairmont.

• Worthington Park / Rail Trail Access. A beautiful 10-acre waterfront park offering softball, picnicking, playground, fishing, basketball, pavilion, restroom and horseshoe courts.

• Valley Falls State Park. 304.367.2719

Located off I-79 Exit 137, 310 S, Fairmont

The rapid falls of the Tygart River, known as Valley Falls, are found here in this 1,145-acre day use park. Picnicking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, game courts. Special attractions include whitewater rafting, kayaking and cross-country skiing. All participants must sign a waiver in the park office. Pavilions for rent.

E-mail Debra Minor Wilson at dwilson@timeswv.com.